Failed Expansion of Medicaid

North Carolina has failed when it comes to expanding Healthcare, and is one out of 11 states where coverage gap still exists. The “Coverage Gap” are usually people who live check to check, the people who need Healthcare the most as they face the most health problems. Poor People also face a lot of mental health problems while trying to survive life, and without the expansion of Healthcare, these problems tend to go untreated and eventually lead to other problems within our community. Years of inadequate funding and patchwork services means services are severely limited across the state. Without treatment, the consequences of mental illnesses for the individual and society are usually staggering, leading to unemployment, substance abuse and homelessness. 1 in 5 adults within the US are affected by Mental Illness in this country. Caregivers of adults with mental or emotional health issues spend an average of 32 hours per week providing unpaid care. Suicide prevention is also important and would be helped by the expansion of Healthcare. Healthcare Expansion is needed within our State and especially within our community as we continue to grow and produce a better society for the future.